First Baptist Church of Snyder


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Marker Number: 1677 
Marker Title: First Baptist Church of Snyder 
Index Entry: First Baptist Church of Snyder 
Address: Ave Q & 27th St. 
City: Snyder 
County: Scurry 
UTM Zone: 14 
UTM Easting: 320413 
UTM Northing: 3621319 
Subject Codes: BP; CH 
Year Marker Erected: 1969 
Designations: na 
Marker Location: Avenue Q and 27th Street, Snyder 
Marker Size: 27" x 42" 
Repairs Completed:  
Marker Text: Founded in May, 1883, one year before Scurry County was organized, this 
pioneer institution helped pave the way for modern Baptist worship in the area. It 
was originally named Bledsoe Baptist Church, in honor of John S. Bledsoe, one of 
the founders. First pastor, The Rev. J. G. Garrard, served 1883-1890. Worship was 
then held in the school building on alternate Sundays. On December 8, 1892, members 
of the congregation voted to change their name to The First Baptist Church of Snyder. 
Lot 4 of Block 14 in the original Snyder townsite was purchased in 1892 and has since 
remained the site of four consecutive church buildings. The first structure was a 
one-story frame 40 x 60 foot building with a bell tower. In 1914 it was replaced with 
a large frame tabernacle. This structure had sliding windows which opened to admit 
cool breezes. In 1922 the tabernacle was replaced with a two-story, yellow brick 
building. Additional property on the west side was bought and a pastor's home built. 
The fourth sanctuary was built in 1951 on the former site of the pastor's house 
(now another location). Present building complex includes the 1922 church (remodeled) 
and 1958 education plant. (1969)